Despite 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan saying earlier in the day that they still plan to consider all their options when it comes to Jimmy Garoppolo's future with the team, the veteran quarterback sounded very much like a player on his way out of San Francisco when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
Garoppolo spoke at length on Tuesday about the next steps in his career, which are expected to be taken with another team due to 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance's status as the 49ers' quarterback of the future. At the end of his press conference, Garoppolo said some final words of farewell to team reporters and fans, thanking them for the experience he's had since being traded to the 49ers from the New England Patriots in 2017.
"It's been a fun ride guys and I really appreciate you for that," Garoppolo said. "And yeah, I'll miss you guys. So thank you guys again. Faithful, thank you very much for everything. It's been crazy man, just all the comebacks at Levi's, comebacks on the road, ups and downs, it's been a hell of a ride guys. I love you guys. So, see ya."
See Garoppolo's message to fans below, via Jennifer Lee Chan/NBC Sports Bay Area:
Jimmy Garoppolo's farewell message to the #49ersFaithful
What ever your opinions are about Garoppolo, he handled everything that happened this year with class, professionalism and even some laughs. pic.twitter.com/aGlOR5BSE8
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) February 1, 2022
Before saying those goodbyes, Garoppolo shed some light on where things stand with the 49ers and what he's looking for in a potential future destination. Not surprisingly, Garoppolo's main priority is landing somewhere that wants to win, which is something he's experienced throughout his career with the Patriots and 49ers.
"We've talked a little bit. I think more will happen in the days to come," Garoppolo said. "But yeah, these guys have been very up front about the whole thing. Just talking to John yesterday about finding the right destination and whatever the future holds, just doing it the right way. I've got a long career ahead of me. I'm excited about it. I'm excited about the opportunities to come. I just want to go to a place where they want to win. That's really what I'm in this game for. I'm here to play football. I'm here to win football games. As long as I've got that and good people around me, I think the rest will take care of itself."
In terms of a possible trade, Garoppolo suggested he and the 49ers will work to find a solution that will be satisfactory to both sides.
"As far as the whole trade situation, John's been very clear with it," Garoppolo said. "I think they're trying to do the best for me, I'm trying to do the best for them. We're working together on that -- really haven't made too much progress on it but I think things will start happening here pretty quickly."
What about the possibility of remaining with the 49ers? Garoppolo was asked about that option as well after what Lynch and Shanahan said on the subject earlier in the day.
"I'll never close every door completely," Garoppolo said. "I think there's a possibility of anything. We need to have those conversations here in the next couple days, next couple weeks, and really get the ball rolling on that... It's hard to put all the scenarios into play right now, but I think those things will work themselves out. I've had a great time here with the Niners organization, with the Faithful. Everything here has been awesome. There's been some ups and downs obviously, but we'll see what happens I guess."
Still, Garoppolo seemed like someone who felt he'd be playing elsewhere in 2022. He's ready for whatever comes his way and sounded eager about the possibility of getting a breath of fresh air after going through a season of uncertainty due to the presence of Lance.
"Absolutely. Yeah," Garoppolo said. "It'll definitely be different. I don't know if it'll be easier or harder. Each year is difficult in this league—it always is. But that's part of the reason I love it. Nothing's given to you. You've got to earn everything in this league. It's not easy. I think that's something I embrace and I sort of enjoy in a way."
